Where are you from?
York
Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?
I met with Andy Dunhill who was very enthusiastic about the course and made me want to study there. The option of the placement year also appealed to me greatly with not many of the other universities offering this for the course. I feel my placement has helped me get better marks so far this year at university.
What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?
I think the region is very friendly and there is always a good atmosphere among students and residents. Jesmond is the best student area I have visited across the country and the football team is the heartbeat of the city.
What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?
I was surprised by the size of the city. I thought it was a very large city but it is easily accessible and once you know your way around it is not too big at all. Everywhere is within walking distance from Jesmond to uni and uni to town. The nightlife is second to none and is also very cheap, as are the taxis.
Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?
I found the university very welcoming, especially the lecturers on my particular course. Having spoken to a lot of friends at different universities I have genuinely always said how good and attentive the staff are on my course.
What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?
I have enjoyed the social side of the city and the student community of Jesmond. I have also enjoyed my course throughout my time at the university.
Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?
Andy Dunhill has been there to talk to from the beginning when I was applying to universities right through to being my dissertation tutor. I am very grateful for all the help that he has provided myself and my colleges throughout our university career and it is clear how much he cares about us due to the passion he purveys and the content of the course, directed to helping us to succeed in the surveying world.
Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?
Again Andy Dunhill has been an exceptional course leader and has a genuine enthusiasm and knowledge of the industry that one can only have having worked within the industry and want to teach the next generation of surveyors.
What is your favourite place on campus?
The Hub.
Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?
I played Newcastle Intramural Rugby and Football.
What is the best thing about your course?
The teaching and the content. From the first coursework in year one, every coursework has had a realistic, practical use designed to aid our growth as surveyors and leave the university prepared for work. Every teacher on the course has always had an open door policy and have helped at all hours of the day with any queries any of us have had.
What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?
If you attend uni and are on a course you enjoy with good course mates and teachers that make it enjoyable, you will have a good academic time and do well. This can still easily be done with having a very active social life as well.
What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?
Become a chartered surveyor, set up my own company and expand it nationally. I believe that the course has been designed to create surveyors which is what I came to university for. The teaching has helped this massively so has the opportunity for a placement year which also counted as the 1st year of my APC.
Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?
We have had coursework which involved going to buildings and measuring them from the outset, so we are dealing with physical rather than fictional buildings. We have had modules to negotiate on deals with surveyors and I completed a placement year. My most memorable experience was selling my first property, where I dealt with everything myself. I went to pitch for the business, gave marketing and value advice, won the instruction, and sold the property by myself.
Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.
We had a second year trip to London. This was very interesting and we got the chance to go up the Heron Tower (then the tallest building in the UK), look at the new Westfields in Stratford, the architecture at Kings Cross and the history and tenant mix at Old Spitalfields market.
If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?
I would suggest that if you have a genuine passion for property, this will definitely be matched by all of the lecturers passion and if you want the opportunity to have a placement year and be supported through this then Northumbria is the best place to be.
How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?
I believe I am not a more rounded person. Previously I wasn't too interested in studying and school was more about enjoying time my friends and playing sport. This course has made me enjoy the academic side as well, and I have shown myself that I can be academic as well as have a good time outside of the classroom.
If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be?
Educational, Enjoyable, Unbeatable.
Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?
Yes.
